T3908-390-02

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Milling using Creo Parametric 2.0

Authored and published using


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Copyright © 2012 Parametric Technology Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright for PTC software products is with Parametric Technology Corporation, its
subsidiary companies (collectively “PTC”), and their respective licensors. This software
is provided under written license agreement, contains valuable trade secrets and
proprietary information, and is protected by the copyright laws of the United States and
other countries. It may not be copied or distributed in any form or medium, disclosed to
third parties, or used in any manner not provided for in the software licenses agreement
except with written prior approval from PTC.
UNAUTHORIZED USE OF SOFTWARE OR ITS DOCUMENTATION CAN RESULT IN
CIVIL DAMAGES AND CRIMINAL PROSECUTION.
User and training guides and related documentation from PTC is subject to the copyright
laws of the United States and other countries and is provided under a license agreement
that restricts copying, disclosure, and use of such documentation. PTC hereby grants to
the licensed software user the right to make copies in printed form of this documentation

if provided on software media, but only for internal/personal use and in accordance
with the license agreement under which the applicable software is licensed. Any copy
made shall include the PTC copyright notice and any other proprietary notice provided
by PTC. Training materials may not be copied without the express written consent of
PTC. This documentation may not be disclosed, transferred, modified, or reduced to
any form, including electronic media, or transmitted or made publicly available by any
means without the prior written consent of PTC and no authorization is granted to make
copies for such purposes.
Information described herein is furnished for general information only, is subject to
change without notice, and should not be construed as a warranty or commitment by
PTC. PTC assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may
appear in this document.
For Important Copyright, Trademark, Patent and Licensing Information see
backside of this guide.


About PTC University
Welcome to PTC University!
With an unmatched depth and breadth of product development knowledge,
PTC University helps you realize the most value from PTC products. Only
PTC University offers:

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• An innovative learning methodology – PTC’s Precision Learning
Methodology is a proven proprietary approach used by PTC to develop and
deliver learning solutions.
• Flexible Delivery Options – PTC University ensures you receive the same
quality training programs regardless of the learning style. Our extensive
experience, innovative learning techniques, and targeted learning modules
facilitate the rapid retention of concepts, and higher user productivity.
• Premier Content and Expertise – A thorough instructor certification process
and direct access to the PTC product development and PTC consulting
organizations means that only PTC courses can give you highly-qualified
instructors, the most up-to-date product information and best practices
derived from thousands of deployments.
• Global Focus – PTC University delivers training where and when you
need it by providing over 100 training centers located across 35 countries
offering content in nine languages.
• Delivering Value – A role-based learning design ensures the right people
have the right tools to do their jobs productively while supporting the
organization’s overall performance goals.

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The course you are about to take will expose you to a number of learning
offerings that PTC University has available. These include:


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• Instructor-led Training (ILT) – The ideal blend of classroom lectures,
personal demonstrations, hands-on workshops, assessments, and
post-classroom tools.
• Pro/FICIENCY – This Web-based, skills assessment and
development-planning tool will help improve your skills and productivity.
• eLearning Libraries – 24/7 access to Web-based training that will
compliment your instructor-led course.
• Precision LMS – A powerful learning management system that will manage
your eLearning Library and Pro/FICIENCY assessments.

PTC University additionally offers Precision Learning Programs. These are
corporate learning programs designed to your organization’s specific goals,
current skills, desired competencies, and training preferences.
Whatever your learning needs are, PTC University can help you get the most
out of your PTC products.


PTC Telephone and Fax Numbers
North America

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• Education Services Registration
– Tel: (888) 782-3773
– Fax: (781) 370-5307
• Technical Support (Monday - Friday)
– Tel: (800) 477-6435
– Fax: (781) 707-0328
• License Management and Contracts
– Tel: 877-ASK-4-PTC (877-275-4782)
– Fax: (781) 707-0331

• Technical Support, License Management, Training & Consulting
– Tel: +800-PTC-4-HELP (00-800-78-24-43-57)

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• Please refer to for contact
information.

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In addition, you can access the PTC Web site at www.ptc.com. Our Web
site contains the latest training schedules, registration information, directions
to training facilities, and course descriptions. You can also reach technical
support, and register for online service options such as knowledge base
searches, reference libraries, and documentation. You can also find general
information about PTC, PTC Products, Consulting Services, Customer
Support, and PTC Partners.


Precision Learning
Precision Learning in the Classroom
PTC University uses the Precision Learning methodology to develop
effective, comprehensive class material that will improve the productivity
of both individuals and organizations. PTC then teaches using the proven
instructional design principal of ‘Tell Me, Show Me, Let Me Do’:

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• Topics are introduced through a short presentation, highlighting the key
concepts.

• These key concepts are then reinforced by seeing them applied in the
software application.
• You then apply the concepts through structured exercises.

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After the course, a Pro/FICIENCY assessment is provided to enable you to
assess your understanding of the materials. The assessment results will also
identify the class topics that require further review.

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At the end of the class, you will either take a Pro/FICIENCY assessment via
your PTC University eLearning account, or your instructor will provide training
on how to do this after the class.

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Precision Learning After the Class

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Each student that enrolls in a PTC class has a PTC University eLearning
account. This account will be automatically created if you do not already
have one.
As part of the class, you receive additional content in your account:

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• A Pro/FICIENCY assessment from the course content that generates a
Recommended Learning Report based on your results.
• A Web-based training version of the course, based on the same
instructional approach of lecture, demonstration, and exercise. The
Recommended Learning Report will link directly to sections of this training
that you may want to review.
Please note that Web-based training may not be available in all languages.
The Web-based training is available in your account for one year after the
live class.


Precision Learning Recommendations

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PTC uses a role-based training approach. The roles and the associated
training are graphically displayed in a curriculum map. Curriculum maps are
available for numerous PTC products and versions in the training section of
our Web site at />
Please note that a localized map may not be available in every language and
that the map above is partial and for illustration purposes only.
Before the end of the class, your instructor will review the map
corresponding to the course you are taking. This review, along with instructor
recommendations, should give you some ideas for additional training that
corresponds to your role and job functions.


Training Agenda
Day 1
― Introduction to Manufacturing
― Creating and Using NC Model Assemblies
― Creating Manufacturing Models
― Configuring Operations
― Using Reference Models

― Using Workpiece Models
― Creating and Configuring Workcells

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Module 01
Module 02
Module 03
Module 04
Module 05
Module 06
Module 07

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― Creating and Configuring Tools
― Using Template Manufacturing Models
― Using Manufacturing Parameters
― Creating Face Milling Sequences

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Module
Module

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Day 2

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Day 3

― Creating Volume Milling Sequences
― Creating Profile Milling Sequences
― Creating Straight Cut Surface Milling Sequences
― Creating From Surface Isolines Surface Milling Sequences

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Module 12
Module 13
Module 14
Module 15

― Creating Cut Line Surface Milling Sequences
― Advanced Surface Milling Options
― Creating Roughing and Re-roughing Sequences
― Creating Finishing Sequences


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Module 16
Module 17
Module 18
Module 19

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Day 4

Day 5

Module 20
Module 21
Module 22
Module 23

― Creating Trajectory Milling Sequences
― Creating Holemaking Sequences
― Using the Process Manager
― Creating and Post-Processing CL Data Files


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Table of Contents
Milling using Creo Parametric 2.0
Introduction to Manufacturing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Manufacturing Process Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Creating and Using NC Model Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Creating and Using NC Model Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

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Creating Manufacturing Models. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Creating Manufacturing Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

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Configuring Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Configuring Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

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Using Reference Models. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Using Reference Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Using Workpiece Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Using Workpiece Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2

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Creating and Configuring Workcells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Creating and Configuring Workcells. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2

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Creating and Configuring Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Understanding Milling Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2
Creating Standard Milling Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
Creating Solid Model Milling Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10
Creating and Using Tool Cutting Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-15
Retrieving Tool Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-20


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Using Template Manufacturing Models. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1
Using Template Manufacturing Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2

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Using Manufacturing Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Understanding Manufacturing Parameter Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . .
Configuring Parameter Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using Site Parameter Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10-1
10-2
10-4
10-9

Creating Face Milling Sequences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1
Basic Face Milling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-2
Lateral Control Face Milling Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-7
Depth Control Face Milling Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-12
Entry and Exit Face Milling Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-15
Creating Volume Milling Sequences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1
Basic Volume Milling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2
Volume Milling with Mill Windows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-7
Scanning Volume Milling Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-11
Depth and Lateral Control Volume Milling Parameters . . . . . . . . . 12-15
Stock Allowance Volume Milling Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-20



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Gathering Mill Volumes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-23
Modifying Volume Milling Toolpaths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-27
Creating Profile Milling Sequences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1
Basic Profile Milling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-2
Depth and Lateral Control Profile Milling Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . 13-7
Lead In and Lead Out Motions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-11

Creating Straight Cut Surface Milling Sequences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1
Understanding Surface Milling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-2
Straight Cut Surface Milling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-4
Straight Cut Surface Milling Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-7
Creating Surface Milling Reference Geometry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-12
Creating From Surface Isolines Surface Milling Sequences. . . . . . . 15-1
From Surface Isolines Surface Milling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-2
Creating Cut Line Surface Milling Sequences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1
Cut Line Surface Milling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-2
Advanced Surface Milling Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1
Advanced Surface Milling Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-2
Creating Roughing and Re-roughing Sequences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1
Basic Roughing and Re-roughing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-2
Roughing Scans and Entry and Exit Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-7
Step Depth and Tolerance Control Roughing Parameters . . . . . . . 18-11
Additional Scallop Height Control Roughing Parameters. . . . . . . . 18-14
Roughing Corner Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-18
Creating Finishing Sequences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1
Basic Finishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-2
Editing Finishing Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-5
Creating Trajectory Milling Sequences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-1
Understanding Trajectory Milling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-2
Creating Sketched Milling Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-4
Basic 2-Axis Trajectory Milling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-9
2-Axis Trajectory Milling Depth Control Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . 20-14
2-Axis Trajectory Milling Cutting Slices Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . 20-18
Basic 3-Axis Trajectory Milling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-22
3-Axis Trajectory Milling Multi-Step and Multi-Pass Parameters . . 20-27
Creating Holemaking Sequences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-1
Understanding Holemaking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-2

Basic Drilling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-4
Editing Drilling Toolpaths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-9
Creating and Using Drill Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-14
Creating Engraving Sequences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-1
Engraving on Flat and Complex Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-2


Using the Process Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23-1
Using Process Manager Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23-2
Editing Process Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23-7
Creating New Items in the Process Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23-11
Creating and Using Manufacturing Templates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23-16

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Creating and Post-Processing CL Data Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-1
Creating and Post-Processing CL Data Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-2


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Student Preface — Using the Header


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In this topic, you learn about the course handbook layout and
the header used to begin each lab in Creo Parametric.

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Procedure / Exercise Header:

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• Modules
– Topics
♦ Concept
♦ Theory
♦ Procedure

♦ Exercise (if applicable)

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Course Handbook Layout:

Course Handbook Layout
The information in this course handbook is organized to help students locate
information after the course is complete. Each course is organized into
modules, each covering a general subject. Each module contains topics,
with each topic focused on a specific portion of the module subject. Each
individual topic in the module is divided into the following sections:
• Concept — This section contains the initial introduction to the topic and
is presented during the class lecture as an overhead slide, typically with
figures and bullets.


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• Theory — This section provides detailed information about content
introduced in the Concept, and is discussed in the class lecture but not
shown on the overhead slide. The Theory section contains additional
paragraphs of text, bullets, tables, and/or figures.
• Procedure — This section provides step-by-step instructions about how to
complete the topic within Creo Parametric. Procedures are short, focused,
and cover a specific topic. Procedures are found in the Student Handbook
only. Not every topic has a Procedure, as there are knowledge topics that
contain only Concept and Theory.
• Exercise — Exercises are similar to procedures, except that they are

typically longer, more involved, and use more complicated models.
Exercises also may cover multiple topics, so not every topic will have an
associated exercise. Exercises are found in the separate Exercise Guide
and/or the online exercise HTML files.

Procedure / Exercise Header

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The first module for certain courses is known as a “process
module.” Process modules introduce you to the generic high-level
processes that will be taught over the span of the entire course.

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To make the exercises and procedures (referred to collectively as “labs”) as
concise as possible, each begins with a “header.” The header lists the name
of the lab, the working directory, and the file you are to open.
The following items are indicated in the figure above, where applicable:

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1. Procedure/Exercise Name — This is the name of the lab.
2. Scenario — This briefly describes what will be done in the lab. The
Scenario is only found in Exercises.
3. Close Windows/Erase Not Displayed — A reminder that you should
close any open files and erase them from memory:
until the icon is no longer displayed.

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• Click Close

and then click OK.
• Click Erase Not Displayed
Folder Name — This is the working directory for the lab. Lab files are
stored in topic folders within specific functional area folders. The path to
the lab files is:
• PTCU\CreoParametric2\functional_area_folder\topic_folder
In the example, Round is the functional area folder and Variable
is the topic folder, so you would set the Working Directory to
PTCU\CreoParametric2\Round\Variable.
• To set the working directory, right-click the folder in the folder tree or
browser, and select Set Working Directory.
Model to Open — This is the file to be opened from the working
directory. In the above example, VARIABLE_RAD.PRT is the model to
open. The model could be a part, drawing, assembly, and so on. If
you are expected to begin the lab without an open model, and instead
create a new model, you will see Create New.
• To open the indicated model, right-click the file in the browser and
select Open.


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4.

5.


6.
7.

Task Name — Labs are broken into distinct tasks. There may be one
or more tasks within a lab.
Lab Steps — These are the individual steps required to complete
a task.

Two other items to note for labs:
• Saving — Saving your work after completing a lab is optional, unless
otherwise stated.
• Exercises — Exercises follow the same header format as Procedures.

Setting Up Creo Parametric for Use with Training Labs

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Before you begin a lab from any training course, it is important that you
configure Creo Parametric to ensure the system is set up to run the lab

exercises properly. Therefore, if you are running the training labs on a
computer outside of a training center, follow these three basic steps:

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• Extract the class files zip file to a root level drive such as C: or D:.
– The extracted zip will create the default folder path automatically, such
as C:\PTCU\CreoParametric2\.
• Locate your existing Creo Parametric shortcut.
– Copy and paste the shortcut to your desktop.
– Right-click the newly pasted shortcut and select Properties.
– Select the Shortcut tab and set the Start In location to be the same as
the default folder. For example, C:\PTCU\CreoParametric2\.
• Start Creo Parametric using the newly configured shortcut.
– The default working directory will be set to the CreoParametric2 folder.

You can then navigate easily to the functional area and topic folders.


PROCEDURE - Student Preface — Using the Header
In this exercise, you learn how to use the header to set up the Creo
Parametric working environment for each lab in the course.
Close Window

Erase Not Displayed

SampleFunctionalArea\Topic1_Folder

Configure Creo Parametric to ensure the system is set up to run
the lab exercises properly.

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Step 1:

EXTRUDE_1.PRT

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Perform this task only if you are running the labs on a computer
outside of a training center, otherwise proceed to Task 2.

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1. Extract the zipped class files to a root level drive such as C: or D:.
• The extracted ZIP will create the default folder path automatically,
such as C:\PTCU\CreoParametric2.

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2. Locate your existing Creo Parametric shortcut.
• Copy and paste the shortcut to your desktop.
• Right-click the newly pasted shortcut and select Properties.
• Select the Shortcut tab and set the Start In location to be
PTCU\CreoParametric2.

Close all open windows and erase all objects from memory to
avoid any possible conflicts.

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Step 2:

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3. Start Creo Parametric using the newly configured shortcut.
• The default working directory is set to the CreoParametric2 folder.
You can then navigate easily to the functional area and topic folders.


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1. If you currently have files open, click Close
toolbar, until the icon no longer displays.

from the Quick Access

2. Click Erase Not Displayed
from the Data group in the ribbon.
• Click OK if the Erase Not Displayed dialog box appears.


Step 3:

Browse to and expand the functional area folder for this procedure
and set the folder indicated in the header as the Creo Parametric
working directory.

1. Notice the SampleFunctionalArea\Topic1_Folder as
indicated in the header above.
2. If necessary, select the Folder
Browser
navigator.

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tab from the

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3. Click Working Directory
to view the current working
directory folder in the browser.
• Double-click
SampleFunctionalArea.


4. Right-click the Topic1_Folder folder and select Set Working
Directory.

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5. Click Working Directory from the Common Folders section to display
the contents of the new working directory in the browser.

Open the file for this procedure.

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Step 4:

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Alternatively you can use the cascading folder path in the
browser to navigate to the topic folder, and then right-click and
select Set Working Directory from the browser.

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1. Notice the lab model EXTRUDE_1.PRT is specified in the header
above.
• Double-click extrude_1.prt in the browser to open it.


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2. You are now ready to begin the first task in the lab:
• Read the first task.
• Perform the first step, which in most cases will be to set the initial
datum display for the procedure or exercise.
• Perform the remaining steps in the procedure or exercise.

Step 5:

Set the initial datum display options.

1. The instruction for setting the datum display indicates which Datum
Display types to enable and disable. For example, “Enable only the
following Datum Display types:

.”

2. To set the datum display, first click the Datum Display drop-down
menu from the In Graphics tool
bar.


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3. Next, enable and disable the
check boxes as necessary. For
example you could disable the
Select All check box, and then
enable only the desired datum
types.

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This completes the procedure.

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4. The model should now appear
as shown.



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1
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Introduction to Manufacturing

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Module


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Module Overview

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Before you use Creo Parametric to machine components, it is important to
understand the complete manufacturing process and the steps involved in
this process. It is also important to understand the elements that make up
completed manufacturing models.

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In this module, you learn about the Creo Parametric manufacturing process.
You are also introduced to the different elements that make up manufacturing
models. You also learn how to create a simple manufacturing model and
how to set up various elements for manufacturing. Finally you learn how to
create a simple machining sequence.

Objectives

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After completing this module, you will be able to:
• Describe the Creo Parametric manufacturing process.
• Describe the elements that make up completed manufacturing models.
• Create manufacturing models.
• Create a simple machining sequence.

© 2012 PTC

Module 1 | Page 1


Manufacturing Process Overview

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The manufacturing process can be divided into four high-level
steps:

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Figure 2 – Creating the
Manufacturing Environment


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Figure 1 – Creating the
Manufacturing Model

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Figure 3 – Creating NC Sequences
and CL Data

Creating the Manufacturing Model

Figure 4 – Post-Processing CL
Data and Machining

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Creating the manufacturing model is the first step in the manufacturing
process.
• You can select and copy a template manufacturing model during the
creation process.
– By default, the template manufacturing model includes default datum

planes and a default coordinate system.
– You can configure many other items in template manufacturing models.
For example, you can include fixtures and a configured machine tool.
• Alternatively you can create an "empty" model. However, the recommended
procedure is to create the manufacturing model using a template model.

Creating the Manufacturing Environment
Configuring the manufacturing environment is the second step in the
manufacturing process. This step involves configuring a number of elements
within the manufacturing model. Here is a summary of the most important
elements.
Module 1 | Page 2

© 2012 PTC


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• Workcell – This specifies the type of machine tool being used. For

example, you can specify a workcell as a 3-axis milling machine with
various machine tool parameters such as feed units, maximum spindle
speed, and travel limits in the X-, Y-, and Z-directions.
• Operation – Machining operations are a series of NC sequences that are
performed by a particular workcell (machine tool) and reference a particular
coordinate system. They include the following elements:
– Machine coordinate system – Also referred to as the machine zero
position. This specifies the program zero position in X, Y, and Z on the
machine tool.
– Retract plane – Also referred to as the retract surface. This specifies
the clearance level to which the tool retracts after completing an NC
sequence.
– Fixtures – Are parts or assemblies that can be used to hold the
component being machined. For example, you can create vise
assemblies and use them as fixtures. Note, fixtures are optional
elements and are not required to create NC sequences.
• Reference model – You must assemble a reference model before creating
NC sequences. The reference model represents the final machined
component. Surfaces and edges are selected from the reference model
and are used as references when creating NC sequences.
• Workpiece model – This represents the unmachined stock material. It is an
optional element and is not required to create NC sequences. However,
using a workpiece enables you to simulate the machining of the stock
material.

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Creating NC Sequences and CL Data

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The next step in the manufacturing process is to create NC sequences in the
manufacturing model; this involves the following:

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• Specifying a tool.
• Selecting or creating geometry to machine (for example, a surface to
machine or holes to be drilled).
• Specifying how the tool machines the selected geometry by editing
machining parameters (for example, specifying cut feed rate and spindle
speed).
• When NC sequences have been created, it is then possible to create
Cutter Location (CL) data files. These are generated from the tool motions
within NC sequences.
Note, NC sequences are made up of a series of tool motions. In
addition, you can add specific post-processor commands for correct
NC output.

© 2012 PTC

Module 1 | Page 3


Post-Processing CL Data and Machining
CL Data files can then be post-processed to create Machine Control Data
(MCD) files. This is done using machine-specific or generic post-processors.

You can then use MCD files to machine components on machine tools.

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This course covers the necessary steps for creating machine
control data. The final step involves machining components on
machine tools and is therefore beyond the scope of this course.

Module 1 | Page 4


© 2012 PTC


PROCEDURE - Process Exercise
Objectives
After successfully completing this exercise, you will be able to:
• Create manufacturing models using template manufacturing models.
• Configure the manufacturing environment.
• Create simple NC sequences.
• Review the CL data.

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Milling\NC_Process
Step 1:

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You create a new manufacturing model, and then configure the manufacturing
environment. You are then able to create a simple surfacing NC sequence
and review the NC sequence.


Create a manufacturing model using a template manufacturing
model.

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1. Create a new manufacturing
model.

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• Click New
in the Quick
Access toolbar.
• Select the Manufacturing and
NC Assembly options.
• Type BRACKET_NC in the
Name text box.
• Clear the Use default
template check box, and
click OK.

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2. Select mmns_mfg_nc, and click
OK.

© 2012 PTC

Module 1 | Page 5